Mental Block
November 22, 2015Nothing is worst than when an artist can’t find inspiration or being bothered by an issue and not know how to express it in a satisfying concept. When I went to Germany and Spain this summer, I saw first hand how serious the African refugee situation was from the first day I landed. So when I got home I was fired up with the intention to create some photographs which would spread awareness to this burning issue in Europe. Subsequent to getting back a few friends told me about the Syrian influx of refugees in Germany.
I’ve tried sketching and writing down a few concepts, but I just can’t seem to find something that makes sense or something that will hold the interest of the viewers.
This weekend I found a striking and compelling photo essay. Minus the written words, the photos spoke for themselves. One could look at the imagery and sum up the storyline the photographer expounded on with his words. Striking collection of photo-documentation paired with nice journalism.
The article was published by The New York Times website on Nov. 21st, 2015 by Ashley Gilbertson with the title “Uncertain Journey”. The Article starts with an image of a frantic refugee jumping out of a boat, upon reaching the shores of the Greek island of Lesbos.
I’ve read it from the very beginning to the very end and I’m still amazed at how this whole refugee crisis is unfolding in Europe. So many countries, first world countries have shut the refugees out for selfish reasons and It pains me to see this happening. I hope that within the next few days, now that I’ve been re-inspired by this piece, I will yield some compelling and heart wrenching concepts to change the hearts and minds of the people around the world.
Feel free to view and read the article photographed and written by Ashley:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/21/opinion/sunday/exposures-uncertain-journeys.html?src=twr&smid=tw-nytimesphoto&smtyp=cur&_r=0
I’ve been perplexed with not being able to come up with a strong nor clear enough concept to enlighten ones in Jamaica and the western part of the world of this pressing issue. As such I’ve decided to ask you guys for help. If you have any ideas on how I can best portray this situation with my photographs, please feel free to comment below, DM or Inbox me.
-Jik-Reuben Pringle
November 22nd, 2015